The views and opinions expressed on this site and blog posts (excluding comments on blog posts left by others) are entirely my own and do not represent those of any employer or organization with whom I am currently or previously have been associated.

Academic Version: Applying my personal experiences and academic research as a professor of Sociology and Asian American Studies to provide a more complete understanding of political, economic, and cultural issues and current events related to American race relations, and Asia/Asian America in particular.

Plain English: Trying to put my Ph.D. to good use.

December 22, 2009

Written by C.N.

As we near the end of 2009, it’s fitting to review the major events, developments, and trends in U.S. racial/ethnic relations in 2009. Therefore, below is my look back at some of the positive highlights as well as the setbacks in terms of achieving racial/ethnic equality, with a particular focus on Asian Americans (my area of expertise). This list is not meant to be an exhaustive review of all racial/ethnic news in 2009, but rather the ones that I covered in this blog and ones that I believe have the most sociological significance.

The Best

King, Obama, Tet, and the Diversity of ChangeA new year brings new hope as we connect Martin Luther King, Barack Obama’s historic election, and Tet the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, around the theme of change, rebirth, and renewal.

Recession Can Lead to Better Race RelationsThe current recession has certainly led to a lot of hostility and conflict, but can also help bring Americans together and bridge racial divides as they support one another.

How Immigrants Contribute to American SocietyWithin the partisan an emotional debates on the cultural and economic effects of immigration, several new studies point out that immigrants ultimately make several important contributions to American society.

Asian Americans Celebrate Several Congressional AchievementsThe “End of Year Report” from the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus summarizes the major achievements by Asian Americans in the federal government, including renewing the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the diversity of federal appointments by President Obama, and several significant legislative proposals.

The Worst

Asian Americans and Workplace-Employment DiscriminationNew data describes employment and workplace discrimination against Asian Americans who work for the federal government and notes that while Asian Americans have the highest rates of experiencing discrimination, they are the least likely to formally report them and to file complaints.

As we turn the page on 2009 and the entire decade (one that many Americans would like to forget), let’s hope that 2010 and the new decade will lead to more prosperity, equality, and harmony for Americans from all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.

August 7, 2009

Written by C.N.

I just wanted to add my heartfelt congratulations to Sonia Sotomayor, who was just confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be our country’s first Latino Supreme Court Justice (FYI, she is also just the third woman and third non-White Supreme Court Justice).

Justice Sotomayor’s personal story is very inspiring and pretty well-known by now, as are the racially-tinged attacks on her by some conservatives and critics. Nonetheless, her appointment is a monumental step forward in terms of breaking the glass ceiling one person at a time, toward achieving racial equality.

It is also a significant moment of pride for Latino Americans and just as important, for the entire country, regardless of our racial, ethnic, religious, or cultural background. This video segment from ABC’s Nightline describes how Sotomayor’s appointment connects all of us as Americans.